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Science doesn't lie, Chapter 7 The Name Game

Tim tensed as he once more felt Ziva's gaze landing on him. Ever since Gibbs made his announcement about no one getting a break or going home tonight, her gaze has alternated between her computer screen and his. For once, he was hoping it was a technical issues with her computer and she wanted his attention for tech support.

"Something wrong, Ziva?" he finally asked, unable to bear the looks any longer.

"I was just wondering if you would be okay," she replied. Tony's head had lifted at the sound of Tim's voice and now ping ponged back and forth between his teammates.

"I am fully capable of working without a break," he snapped, insulted by her insinuation. Tony snorted at his reply.

Ziva frowned, "I did not mean to imply that you could not," she started to explain. "But if he holds us to his words,"

"And he usually does," Tony pointedly added, curious about what Ziva had meant.

Ziva nodded in acknowledgement before continuing, "You will not make it home to be with your children."

"I know," Tim sighed depressingly. "I had made arrangements in case this situation came up, but I have to admit that I did not expect it to occur on my first day back."

Tony frowned at the younger man's tone. "Hey, if you need to sneak away to make a call, or even to check on them, Ziva and I will cover for you."

Ziva nodded in eager agreement, "Yes, of course, we will."

Tim shook his head, "Thanks, but no thanks," he responded. As much as he appreciated the offer, he knew Gibbs had a sixth sense when someone was lying to him. There was no way he was going to risk the former Marine's wrath, especially since he was already so upset.

Tony and Ziva exchanged worrying looks, "Probie,"

"I said, no thanks, Tony," Tim interrupted softly but firmly. "I appreciate the offer, honestly, but it isn't worth the risk, not now. Now, let's get back to work and solve this case so it won't matter," he concluded, turning his gaze to his computer and hoping his teammates would follow his example.

"Two hundred percent," Tony muttered inaudibly.

Gibbs stood on the catwalk looking at his team. He always thought that one of the reasons why they worked so well together was because of how different they all were. Different upbringings, educations, experiences, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Yet the one thing they all had in common was their desire to see justice done, though sometimes the definition of justice differed as well. Still, they always pulled together to accomplish what many considered miraculous-an almost perfect case solving rate.

Now, though, Gibbs worried that those personality differences might tear them apart. Tony often felt the need to know everything that was going on in the lives of those around him and continually joked and teased others to be ensured that he wouldn't be forgotten; Tim often couldn't hide what he was thinking or feeling and preferred to keep things private and wanting to handle problems on his own; Ziva fought so hard to separate herself from her training, yet still tried to remain detached and emotionless with those she interacted with daily; Abby always wanting to be right, to be first with both the answer and in his affections.

Gibbs shook his head as he wondered how everything had gotten so complicated. In the past, each of them had been fine with how things were. What had happened to change that?

Looking once more at the youngest male member of his team, he remembered the day Tim told him that he was going to become a father. Gibbs had been surprised, especially when McGee mentioned that the mother would be relinquishing her rights to the child and signing over full custody to him after the birth. The younger man had been so ecstatic at the idea of being a father that Gibbs couldn't help but be anything but happy for his agent, even if he had also been concerned about Tim raising a child by himself.

Gibbs hadn't expected Tim's idea of alone to include not telling the rest of the team about the upcoming changes to his life. His worry intensified as he watched Tim slowly distance himself from his team. Tim wasn't purposely pulling away, but the events in his personal life had demanded more and more of his attention, and rightly so. Gibbs understood this, but the rest of the team, well, all they knew was that Tim was now unwilling to spend time with them outside of work. He refused all invitations to meet them for dinner or drinks, often citing a prior commitment, but never shared what or why, just that he couldn't make it.

Gibbs then thought about the night when he truly realized how independent Tim was trying to be. It was less than two months after he had first been told about the initial news. Due to an obstetrics appointment the next morning, Tim would be coming in late and had decided to stay after everyone else had been dismissed to catch up on some paperwork. When the younger man's cellphone rang, Gibbs had looked up as Tim absently answered it, not sparing a glance at the screen. Gibbs had taken one look at his paler than normal agent and jumped across the bullpen catching the phone right before it hit the floor. After hanging up, he helped Tim gather his belongings and drove his agent to the hospital, offering to call Tim's family or someone else for him.

He was very surprised and worried when the younger man replied that there was no one to call, that no one else knew, not even his family. Tim wasn't just trying to do it alone, he was purposely keeping it hidden. Gibbs remembered how nervous he had been about becoming a father and he had the love and support of his wife, her family, his family, and his friends. Realizing that he was needed here, Gibbs sat down next to the worried father-to-be where the two spent most of the evening waiting for some news.

Gibbs suspected that he would never forget how pale and shaken Tim was, how worried he had been that his child might not survive long enough to be born. Hours later and with much relief, Tim and Gibbs heard the welcoming news that mother and babies were stable. Babies. At the shocking announcement that Tim would become the father of twins, Gibbs had to hold a hand to steady the younger man.

He couldn't remember what the doctor or nurses called her condition, but with all the restrictions, medications, and warning signs the doctor had mentioned, it was clear that this wouldn't be a typical or a problem free pregnancy. Yet Tim was still determined not to inform anyone else about the situation.

That was the moment when Gibbs realized what he had to do. He made sure Tim had everything he needed for the night before returning to his own home to develop a plan. Gibbs consistently reached out to his young agent, willing to be what the younger man needed for however long he needed it. He encouraged Tim to apply for intermittent FMLA, promising him that his job would be there whenever Tim wanted or was able to return to it. He was a willing ear, a sounding board when Tim debated whether to buy or rent, cloth vs. disposable diapers, an experienced parent giving advice and tips for everything from childproofing a home to daycare vs nannies. It wasn't long before he felt closer to Tim, truly like family, and had begun calling him by his first name, something he had rarely done in the past. Even at work, things had changed. He spent more time talking with Tim mentoring him, partnering with him at crime scenes, involving him more in interrogation, and interviewing witnesses.

When Tim called him early one morning about two months later and told him that he wouldn't be in to work because she was in labor, Gibbs couldn't help mentally count the months. After reassuring Tim that he understood and that his place was at the hospital, Gibbs did something he hadn't done in a while, he prayed for Tim and his family. He also spent most of the morning worried about the outcome, growling at everyone as he tried to keep those feelings and the reason for them hidden.

As soon as he could, Gibbs dismissed the remainder of his team for the day and headed to the hospital nervous about what he would find since Tim had not contacted him again. He couldn't help but smile as he caught sight of his agent in hospital scrubs staring down at two wrapped bundles.

He was relieved when Tim told him how his son and daughter were. Yes, they would need to spend some additional time in the hospital, and they might have more challenges than babies that were carried to full term, but the prognosis was good.

Yet Tim still did not want to share the news with his team. Gibbs had no choice but to honor Tim's wishes and not tell them what was going on. Of course, part of him hoped that Tony's insatiable curiosity would find out, whether it was because he followed Tim to the hospital one night or got Abby to snoop for him, Gibbs didn't really care, he just thought that it would be best for everyone to know. Not only should news like this be celebrated, but he was sure that Tim could use the additional support. But until everyone else knew, it was up to him to help Tim. He continued his support and had even been able to scrub up and visit the nursery with Tim a couple of times rather than just watch through the glass.

Gibbs noticed that Tim had been torn about what to do next. The plan he had developed, finding a house, moving, arranging child care for the twins while he was working, telling everyone the news, had been thrown out the window with the twins arriving almost three months early. Sure, he knew that people said twins often arrive early, but not this early! All those things still needed to be done, but he still had to work and he wanted to be at the hospital with his children as much as possible. Again, Gibbs offered to help anyway he could. Tim was reluctant to take him up on that offer, but Gibbs persisted. Tim had been amazed that before the twins were released from the hospital, everything had been accomplished. He had found a new place, though not a house; had moved in; gotten the nursery set up, including a custom-built rocker; had ordered new furniture, which he was still waiting to be delivered; everything was back on track to the original plan. He couldn't thank Gibbs enough for all he had done.

Gibbs suspected that Tim expected things to return to 'normal' when the twins were released from the hospital and Gibbs had tried to stay away. Unfortunately, he found himself more addicted to those kids than he was to coffee.

He couldn't believe that he had forgotten how good it felt to be around little ones. Almost every spare moment was spent at Tim's new place with the babies. There was something about kids that made the world seem like a much better place, he thought. Maybe it was the innocence they possessed or the hope they gave for the future, Gibbs honestly wasn't sure, but rocking a baby seemed to ease the tension and worry from his life. After the rocking chair, he started thinking about what else he could build. His basement already held two new projects that should be completed in time for Christmas and he had many more in mind for the future as the kids grew.

Lately, when Gibbs imagined what the future might hold, he saw Tim and his kids continuing to be a part of his life. That painted a much better picture than the bleak, lonely future he previously envisioned.

While he didn't agree with Tim's choice to not share the news with his team, he did recognize that it was his choice to make. He had been happy when Tim told him that he was going to tell Abby before he returned to work. At the time, Gibbs had thought it was a great start, an indication that Tim would soon be sharing the news with everyone. He had visions of everyone celebrating the two newest additions to the MCRT, to BBQ's and holiday gatherings, made more enjoyable with little ones around.

Now he feared that vision would only exist in his dreams. He had suspected that the team would be upset at Tim for not sharing his news earlier, but he hoped that they would be too enamored of the twins for that to really become an issue. That might have been the case if Tim had been able to tell make the announcement himself.

Unfortunately, not only did they have Tim's secrecy to deal with, but also Abby's antics, Tony's curiosity, and Ziva's inactiveness. Combine those ingredients and you have a recipe for disaster, something that could be end up tearing his team apart.

In his mind he cursed Abby for speaking out of turn, for what she might have ruined. Shaking his head, he forced himself to calm down. He couldn't continue to take his anger out on his team, his family, they didn't deserve it, especially when he was working so hard to make sure they stayed together.

Gibbs reentered the bullpen, barely looking at team. "McGee, with me," he finally called.

With a sigh, Tim stood and followed the older man into the elevator, ignoring the looks and whispers that Gibbs's words had produced.

Once inside the stopped elevator car, Gibbs scrutinized his agent. While his face didn't portray what he was thinking or feeling, he eyes did, Gibbs realized. Withholding a sigh, he hoped this conversation would ease the tension between the two of them.

"I'm meeting with Vance in about an hour," he began.

Tim startled at that before frowning, "You haven't seen him yet?"

Gibbs shook his head and snorted, "Have barely even talked to him," he admitted. "He was in off site meetings early this morning, recently arrived at the yard, but has some other meetings he cannot reschedule. He was able to rearrange some things, but the earliest time available was right before lunch."

"You talked to him?"

"A few times, briefly," Gibbs admitted, "When he had a break or was between meetings. Most of those conversations lasted less than a minute."

Tim nodded his head as he thought about whether or not to ask what was on his mind.

"I have no idea what he is thinking regarding this situation," Gibbs answered his unspoken question. "Never play poker with the director," he advised. "It is hard enough to read him in person, but over the phone? Impossible."

Tim nodded again. "Okay, um, thanks for telling me," he half stated, half asked, unsure if that was the sole reason he was pulled into Gibbs's office.

"Wanted to know if you wanted to be there," he said, once more responding to the unasked question.

"I…I don't know," Tim admitted.

Gibbs nodded, expecting that answer. "Okay, why would you want to be there?"

Tim bristled at the question.

"I'm not saying you don't have the right to be there," Gibbs stated before Tim could say a word, "I'm asking you for your reasons, to help you come to a decision."

Tim nodded as he calmed down.

"Maybe it will be easier to answer why you don't want to be there?" Gibbs suggested.

"Because I am not sure I will be able to control my temper," Tim admitted, "Especially if Abby is there and continues to show no remorse about anything she has done. No doubt losing control and yelling at her would hurt my case, so to speak."

Gibbs suppressed a smile at the thought that his agent was comparing this to the cases they investigated and how a witness might be discredited due to their emotions.

"I do not know if Abby will be there," Gibbs admitted, staring at Tim.

"I don't want this to become the major focal point of the Director, but nor do I want what Abby did to be ignored or swept under the rug," Tim tried to explain. "This has effected everyone of us, part of me just wants to get it settled and move on, but that doesn't mean that I'll forget about it," he added harshly, "Or easily forgive."

Gibbs nodded in understanding while he continued to watch the young agent.

Tim sighed as he raked a hand through his hair, "At this time, I'm going to say no to being there," he began, "At least at this initial meeting," Tim added.

"So what's going on with you and Gibbs?" Tony asked when Tim returned to the bullpen without Gibbs.

Tim just shook his head.

"Yeah, yeah," Tony muttered, "You can't talk about it."

Tim's head shot up at that as he stared at Tony. There was only two reasons why Tony would say that, either he listened in when he, Abby, and Gibbs were talking or he later talked with Abby about this and she told him. Either could've happened and knowing Tony and how curious he was, Tim wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was both.

"McGee," Ziva interrupted, breaking into his thoughts before he could find out the answer from Tony, "I have been wondering, where are your children?"

"Home, of course," he stated.

"I mean, who is watching them?" Ziva clarified. "Are they with a family member? Your mother perhaps?"

"No," Tim replied softly, trying not to think about his parents' response regarding the news that they were now grandparents. He had expected his mother to catch the first plane to DC to see his kids, her suitcase packed with enough clothes and toys for ten children. He knew his father wouldn't be able to leave his ship, but he had expected something from the older man.

Tony frowned at Tim, worried about him. "I have no doubt that being your kids, they will be more mature and responsible than other kids, but somehow I doubt that you left them alone…" he teased, his voice trailing off.

Tim snorted, "Yeah, leaving two three-month old babies by themselves all day, great idea. I hope that is something even you wouldn't do."

Tony shrugged and grinned, "It's not like they can really get into anything and make a mess, plus they'll be right where you left them."

Tim shook his head and stifled a laugh, "You'll be surprised," he muttered before switching the conversation back to the case.

A half hour later, Ziva looked around the bullpen, both of her coworkers oblivious to her gaze. She was feeling encouraged from the conversation the three teammates had earlier and hoped it would reoccur often. Those conversations were the key to getting the team back on friendly terms and the surefire way to make sure McGee got involved was to talk about something near and dear to his heart, namely his children. Which reminded her…"What are their names?" Ziva asked looking at McGee who was seemingly engrossed in his work.

"Who?" Tony asked when the bullpen remained silent. "No wonder we haven't solved this case yet if you are asking about the names of the victim or our suspects," he commented.

The Israel rolled her eyes, "I am talking about Timothy's children, of course."

"Huh, good question," Tony admitted. "Do we even know the sex of the twins?"

Ziva tilted her head as she thought about it. "I do not believe anyone has mentioned it," she replied before looking at Tony, "You saw the pictures, couldn't you tell?"

"Usually they have to be a bit older before the differences are visibly noticeable while they are wearing clothes," he drawled.

Ziva rolled her eyes, "I meant by their outfits."

Tony shook his head, "Both wore green outfits, one with giraffes and monkeys, the other elephants and lions on 'em...or was it giraffes 'n lions and elephants 'n monkeys?" Tony absently wondered, giving his head a shake. "Either way neither one had a skirt on or bows in their hair. Not that that would necessarily mean anything," Tony replied grinning towards McGee who continued to ignore him.

Ziva shook her head, the things Tony could come up with.

Seconds later, Tony groaned.

"What?" Ziva asked.

"I just realized McGee was probably responsible for naming his kids."

"So?" Ziva wondered why that was a bad thing. It's not like Tim would name his son something outrageous like 'Magnum'.

Tony just looked at her for a moment before ticking off his fingers and saying, "Amy, Tommy, McGregor, Lisa, JL Tibbs."

Ziva smiled, "So he might not be the most creative," she commented.

Tony snorted at the understatement. "One of the worst things you could do, at least from the kids point of view, but is also the easiest, is to just name the kid after yourself," Tony commented, pointing a finger at himself, "Either by reversing the first and middle name, which wouldn't work since Probie said he doesn't have a middle name or to do what my father did and add 'junior' to the name. Of course, that's a little more difficult when there are two kids," he added dryly. "Hey, if the twins are boys do you think he went with Tim A and Tim B?"

"Maybe he decided Tim Jr and Thom Jr," Ziva suggested, both of them laughing loudly.

Those sounds caused Tim to finally look up from his desk.

"Hey, what's so funny?" Tim asked, seriously wanting to know. After all the drama that started the day, he could use a bit of comic relief, especially if it helped ease the tension with his teammates.

Tony and Ziva just shook their heads, causing Tim to frown at them. He knew they had been upset because he hadn't told them about his children nor had he talked about Abby's theory, but for them to cut him out like this, to not share funny anecdotes was rather mean-spirited. After their most recent conversation he thought that things were better, had hoped that they would be able to get past this.

"Is it two bouncing baby boys or two giggling gorgeous girls?" Tony asked Tim now that they had his attention.

Tim grinned in relief. Tony asking about the kids were a good sign. "Neither," he replied, his grin widening at the puzzled looks on their faces.

"Uh, Probie, there isn't another choice."

"How about one of each," Tim suggested as he rolled his eyes. "One bouncing baby boy, one giggling gorgeous girl."

Tony scrunched up his nose, "That's possible?"

"Uh, yeah," Tim replied shaking his head at Tony's bewilderment before explaining the scientific causes of identical twins vs. fraternal twins.

"Oh." Tony glanced at Ziva before asking Tim, "So is your son named Sonny and you daughter named Daughtery, Daughterette?" He frowned as he said those words. "That really doesn't work as well," he grumbled, deep in thought as he tried to think of what Gemcity might've named his little girl.

Ziva sat at her desk trying to hide her amusement, while Tim just stared at his coworker. That had to be the stupidest thing Tony had ever said, and there were some unbelievable things on the top of that list.

"Your son, Sonny and your daughter...your daughter…" Tony repeated as he tapped his chin in thought. "I got it!" Tony exclaimed, "Your daughter is named Cher."

Tim opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by Ziva before he could say anything.

"I do not understand," she complained.

As Tony began his explanation, Tim muttered, "That makes two of us," under his breath. His coworkers were so caught up in their conversation though, that they didn't hear him.

However, he heard them just fine, as he continued to work, pretending that he wasn't listening to Tony's long-winded explanation.

"-the song 'I got you, babe,"

"Oh! Because they are babies," Ziva exclaimed.

"Well, no, but it fits," Tony admitted. "Especially given McGemcity's talent for naming things," he added dryly rolling his eyes.

Now Tim realized what Tony had been referring to.

"It's Cherish, actually," Tim stated, causing his coworkers to suddenly remember that he was in the room. "Sonny and Cherish," he elaborated. "Well, Cherish and Sonny, since she was born first," he innocently added.

Tony just looked at him in disbelief. "God, no. Tell me you didn't, Probie," he pleaded, his voice tinged with worry.

Tim tilted his head. "I thought it was pretty, means lovingly cared for," he added.

"With a name like Sonny, I'm sure he's gonna be a very pretty boy, and you'll have to lovingly care for his black eyes," Tony mumbled.

Ziva has been searching Tim's face during this conversation and commented on what she saw. "Tony, I believe McGee is...pranking you," she stated.

Tony's head whipped around to face Tim, finally seeing what Ziva had seen moments earlier. "You lied to me?"

"No, Tony, I was joking," Tim corrected, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "Yes, I lied," he confirmed, not even attempting to deny it. "My son's name is Timothy."

Tony groaned. "Junior. You juniorized him? Oh Probie, that shoulda been the first thing I taught you. Don't juniorize your kid. I shoulda made it a rule, guess it doesn't matter now. I just figured we would have this conversation months before the blessed event, not three months later," he added, looking at McGee and trying to get him to feel guilty about not sharing his news with them in a more timely manner.

"Tony," Ziva began, receiving only a glare in return.

"It might be too late, but, well, he's young, hasn't gotten used to the name, I suggest you change it. Anything monogrammed he'll outgrow anyway. Listen up, Probie, here's what I would've said six months ago if you had told us of your impending fatherhood: Don't name your kid after yourself. It makes you appear arrogant and conceited."

"Tony,"

"Not now, Ziva, this is important, even if it is a bit too late," Tony said dismissively before continuing. "That all you want is a mini me, that that is all they are good for, especially if they end up going by the moniker of 'Junior. It's like they have no identity, no worth of their own."

"Tony,"

The SFA waved her away. "On the plus side, you didn't give them rhyming or matching names, so there might be some hope for you, yet."

"Tony."

This time the older man didn't even acknowledge her attempt at interrupting him. "What you should've done is thought about people that you admire and name your kids after them," Tony suggested.

"No way am I going to name my kid Magnum," Tim declared.

"Good choice of role models," Tony nodded approvingly. "Much better than Harry Potter, Hans Solo, or some other Geeky obsession," he added, "But I have dibs on the name Magnum in case I ever have a son. Oh!" He suddenly exclaimed, "In case I have twins, I also call dibs on Bond."

Tim snorted, pretty sure that no one would fight him for those names. While Ziva just rolled her eyes, not even bothering to say anything to Tony about the man approaching the bullpen.

"You have plenty of choices just from the people in this building alone, hell in the room even," he hinted.

Tim inclined his head, "I did think about that," he admitted, causing Tony to puff with pride. "But, well, I wasn't sure how well he liked his name, after all, he never actually uses it."

"Huh?"

"Not in his day to day life," Tim clarified.

"I like my name," Tony protested, "It's the junior part I don't like, but we already went over that."

Ziva coughed. "I do not believe he was talking about you or your name," she pointed out.

One look at McGee's face gave credence to her words.

"Oh," he muttered before wondering who Tim was talking about then. "It can't be Gibbs, that would be naming the kids after the parents again, besides, do we really need a Gibbs junior?"

Ziva's lips thinned as she tried to prevent herself from smirking at Tony.

"So, you must mean Ducky," he commented triumphantly, not noticing how Tim glared at him for his earlier words, nor how silent the bullpen had gotten. "I'm sure he would've been honored if you had named your son Donald."

"Glad to hear that," Gibbs finally spoke. "What I'm not glad to hear is why my team is discussing names instead of working," he added.

"Boss! We were just learning more about the mini McGees. Did you know that it's possible for twins to be of a different sex? App-"

"DiNozzo."

"Right, of course you do," Tony answered his own question knowingly.

Gibbs glared at him, "Are you done learning about the children?"

"Actually, no," Tony answered. "We got distracted before Probie could tell us their names."

Gibbs nodded. "Kiva Maureen and Shane Murphy," he announced, causing Tim to tense. "Not Tim Jr or Sonny and Cher," Gibbs cheekily added.

"Very Irish sounding names there, Boss, er, McGee," Tony stated, his gaze going from one man to the other, before he paled as he realized how long Gibbs had been standing there listening to their conversation.

"I tried to tell you," Ziva softly murmured.

"Gibbs, can I speak to you for a moment," Tim asked as he stood up, "Privately," he added before walking away.

"What's going on?" Abby asked entering the bullpen, Tim had just stormed past her, Gibbs following him for a change.

"Gibbs just told us the name of hi-"

"McGee's kids," Ziva cut Tony off.

"Ooh, telling, right?"

Tony and Ziva frowned, not sure what she meant.

"Come on," Abby cried in exasperation, "Timmy told me he wanted their names to reflect their family and heritage."

Tony and Ziva just stared at her vacantly.

"Seriously? You don't see it?" Abby asked, continuing to smirk at them.

"See what?" Tony and asked. "I mean, obviously his son's," Tony paused, that was so strange to say, "Name is totally Irish, but what can you expect from McLackOfOriginality?"

Abby rolled her eyes again before launching into an explanation, not caring who was listening. "Shane-a book about a cowboy, Murphy-meaning descendant of a sea warrior," she concluded looking at them in expectation. "Guys! Gibbs, cowboys and marines, aka sea warrior? The kids are equally named after both their fathers! The fact that the names are Irish represent daddy Tim, but the names themselves are totally a tribute to Gibbs."

"And thei-the girl's name?"

"Kiva Maureen, Kelly Marie," Abby replied. "Same initials as his first daughter."

Tony thought about that a moment, "I don't know," he finally said.

"Hmmph," the scientist huffed. "Well, I do. Timmy didn't just pick their names out of a hat or stab a finger at a page in a baby book. He would give a lot of thought for something like this."

That had Tony snorting in disbelief. "Right, Amy, I mean Abby."

She just shook her head, "For an investigator, you really are clueless," she said before finally walking away, leaving the two agents staring after her as they wondered what she meant.

"How could you do that?" Tim asked once the two were alone. "How could you tell Tony the names of my children?"

"Because I was sick of the conversation and needed you guys to get back to work," Gibbs retorted. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't let one of his Agents talk to him like this, this time, however, he hoped that it would be beneficial for both Tim and the team. As the day went on, Tim appeared to be getting angrier rather than accepting of what had occurred. The usual even-tempered agent was moodier than he had ever seen him before.

"Then you should've head slapped him," Tim retorted.

Gibbs sighed, "I know you didn't want him to learn about them yet, but it was too late. It was only a matter of time before he learned their names, especially since Abby knew 'em."

Tim shook his head, "You really don't get it, do you?"

"Of course, I do," the lead agent argued.

"No, you don't, otherwise you wouldn't have said anything."

Gibbs stared at his youngest agent, "So tell me what I'm missing then," he said as he crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall.

"It's too late now, the damage is done."

"You couldn't have kept it a secret forever," Gibbs replied, hoping his young agent would see the reality in that.

"I could have kept it a secret for a little bit longer," he retorted. "Abby was the one who couldn't even keep it a secret for a few days," came the curt comeback.

"McGee,"

Tim shook his head, "And this isn't about that. It's about you telling everyone the names of my kids. Not because I wanted to keep it from them," Tim responded to the older man's look, "but because you answering their questions gives credence to Abby's theory, especially since you didn't say the kids' last name."

Gibbs snorted, "Like anyone put heed in that theory," he said dismissively, ready to end this meeting.

This time Tim snorted, "You'll be surprised," he stated dryly.

Gibbs gave him a look that said, 'oh yeah, surprise me.'

Tim shook his head, "Guess you haven't walked these halls much today. The only place they aren't loudly talking about this is the bullpen. Breakroom, bathroom, evidence garage, hallways and stairwells, even autopsy, everyone has something to say on this topic. And it's not because they don't believe it," he added.

"See?" Gibbs replied, "those are the people who don't really know us or respect us. Our fellow agents aren't talking."

"No, it means that our fellow agents aren't talking at their desks or someplace we could easily hear them," Tim corrected. "They seem to be away from their desk more than usual today. And trust me, you would be surprised by who is saying what," more than once this morning Tim had heard things he really wished he hadn't.

"If you are referring to Tony and Ziva…" Gibbs growled warningly.

Time met his eyes and asked, "and if I am?"

Rolled eyes, "You should know by now that Tony doesn't mean any harm,"

"That's what you said about Abby," Tim injected quickly. "And we know how well that is turning out."

Gibbs glared at him as he continued, "He just likes to get reactions from you. You must have realized by now that he doesn't even believe most of what he says. You just need to ignore him."

"Trust me," Tim's voice tinged with an emotion the older man couldn't place. "I do. In fact, I think I ignore most of what DiNozzo has to say."

Gibbs shook his head, "McGee, stop taking everything so personally. It doesn't matter what other people think or do, you know the truth."

"Most of the truth," Tim corrected, "Neither one of us know how you are related to my kids."

Gibbs gave a dismissive shrug, "We'll figure it out."

Tim glared at the older man. Tim knew that Gibbs had never cared much for him, at least, not as much or as easily as he had for Abby, Tony, or even Ziva, but he had really thought that Gibbs had come to care for his kids. Once more, he must've been wrong if Gibbs cared so little about the fact that he was related to Shane and Kiva.

"If I could just tell everyone what is going on," Tim finally began, only to be cut off by his supervisor.

"There are more important things than scuttlebutt."

"Yeah, and my reputation is one of them," Tim muttered, angry not just at Gibbs' lack of interest in the truth but also Tim's thoughts on the current situation.

Gibbs just glared at his young agent, "I didn't expect that attitude from you, McGee," his voice tinged with disappointment. "I didn't expect you to be homophobic. You are more worried about your reputation as a ladies' man and not being considered 'straight' than the truth."

Now it was Tim who looked at Gibbs in disappointment. "How many times had Tony or you," he pointedly added "make a comment about me being gay? And not once did I say or do anything to make you believe I was homophobic, nor did I act differently to end those rumors. What I am worried about now is my professional reputation, my job," he clarified. "A few things I heard people say was their thoughts about if 'our relationship' started before or after I became a part of your team, and if that might be the reason I was promoted," he commented.

Gibbs stared at Tim in disbelief. "What?" he croaked out.

Tim nodded, "Do with that what you will," he said before leaving the older man staring after him in shock.

He had to be exaggerating, Gibbs thought as he continued to stare at the young agent's retreating back. Was probably just being oversensitive because of everything that was going on. The stress of having the news about the twins revealed before he was ready, Abby's accusations, Tony's and Ziva's teasing, the case. And that's just what was going on with his agent during the day. At night he was the primary, hell, the only caregiver to two young children. No, Gibbs concluded as he headed to the Director's office for their meeting, most likely Tim is just sleep deprived and had imagined those conversations.

11-24-19

Okay, a little bit of history about Tim and Gibbs and how the two came to be so close...

Everyone's emotions are running high (and low), mostly because they aren't talking to each other...at each other, yeah, but no one is being honest about what they know or what they want to know, but instead, trying to keep figure it out on their own.

Gibbs is open about the kids names and a few other things, yet refuses to talk about the DNA test and the results that Abby ran on Kiva and Shane...talk about a walking contradiction...

Oh yeah, in addition to being thankful for patient and understanding readers, I am also thankful for readers that review...